Update on the Feasibility Study to Realign Sunwood Drive NW at Armstrong Boulevard

In the summer of 2011, both the HRA and the City Council approved contracts with separate consultants to investigate the potential realignment of Sunwood Drive near Armstrong Boulevard. Landform was hired by the HRA in June to work on the portion of the project internal to the COR, and update the necessary AUAR components for the project. The scope of services to complete their work did not include any items outside of the development area and within Anoka County right-of-way along Armstrong Boulevard. WSB and Associates was hired by the City Council in July to perform all portions of the project located within Anoka County right-of-way, as they are the consultant that is working on the TH 10/Armstrong interchange and the recently completed Bunker/Armstrong signalization project. This two pronged approach is intended to maximize efficiencies with all previous work completed to date, both internal and external to the COR.

The project includes the realignment of Sunwood Drive, between approximately Zeolite Street and Armstrong Boulevard (see attached preliminary design). The intent is to work north to south on Armstrong Boulevard and complete another section of the roadway in its final location; to set the stage for the ultimate interchange over the railroad tracks and TH 10. It will also create additional developable land for retail space near the new intersection, and create a signalized full access to the COR from Armstrong Boulevard.

Currently the traffic and land use components of the COR AUAR are in need of an update to reflect the current conceptual design approved by the HRA. These two components are also necessary to properly assess and design the proposed Sunwood Drive realignment, as the uses and anticipated traffic have significantly changed since the original AUAR was drafted. This work has been split between items located within the developable property owned by the HRA (Landform), and County right-of-way (WSB).

There are a couple of items contained in these draft feasibility studies that differ from items contained in the preliminary design for the Armstrong/TH 10 interchange project, and those will be identified and discussed in a separate case at work session later this evening.

One final item for discussion on both projects is turf establishment. The Sunwood realignment is proposing the required topsoil and sod within the City's right-of-way, but is requesting the use of seed (with the required topsoil) in the County right-of-way. It is being proposed this way because portions of the Armstrong work will only be temporary until the interchange is constructed, and the boulevard areas can be captured during development review to ensure site landscaping accounts for these areas when develop occurs. What isn't resolved through development can be incorporated into the interchange design, and include the City requirement for topsoil and seed (unless directed otherwise by the Council).

Funding is still to be determined, and will be brought back to the City Council in January of 2012.

This case is strictly for informational purposes at this time. Staff and the consultants will bring additional information forward in the near future when the funding portion has been determined.

No action is requested at this time. Staff invites feedback from the City Council on the preliminary design, and all other project components.